Such properties are typically bursting with character and charm and have a lifetime of memories to pass to the next generation.

Whether a large estate that employed many people, or a prominent building converted into a family home – older houses are often fundamental to the makeup of the area.

As such, owners of historic properties are buying more than a home. As custodians of what are often important local landmarks, they play a valuable part in ensuring the legacy lives on.

Featured in the gallery below are some of the finest historic properties currently on the market, each with its own story to tell.

WARWICK HOUSE, LITTLE EASTON, ESSEX

With historic links to the Countess of Warwick and formerly the west wing of Easton Lodge, this Jacobean-styled country house is rich in character with grand Victorian gothic architecture and elegant period detailing, all set within approximately 6.2 acres of grounds created by Edwardian garden designer Harold Peto.

THE OLD VICARAGE, RICKMANSWORTH, HERTFORDSHIRE

Understood to date from the late 14th or early 15th century, The Old Vicarage is believed to be the oldest surviving house in Rickmansworth. Although altered and adapted over the centuries, the Grade II listed home retains much of the character and craftsmanship of its earliest builds, with period brickwork, timber framing and architectural details such as stained glass and oriel windows.

PAMPHILL MANOR, WIMBORNE, DORSET

An exquisite Grade II* listed home set in beautiful gardens, Pamphill Manor was built in the 17th century around a 16th century core by Matthew Beethell, steward to Sir Ralph Bankes of nearby Kingston Lacy. Within the house are many notable architectural features, while an additional detail is the set of initials and dates etched on two panes of glass on the first floor: “JB July 1741” (possibly Jane Beethell) in the panelled bedroom and “Geo. Beethell 16th Aug 1740” in the adjacent bathroom.

BULKELEY GRANGE, BULKELEY, CHESHIRE

A handsome Grade II listed country house, Bulkeley Grange is believed to date from 1865. It was built by railway contractor Thomas Brassey as part of his model farm estate, using bricks and stone from his own Wirral quarry and finished with distinctive Brassey ironwork. With views across the Cheshire countryside, the property was acquired by the Barlow family in 1967 and remained in their ownership for 47 years.

OFFORD HILL HOUSE, GODMANCHESTER, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Believed to have been used as a safe house by Winston Churchill during the Second World War, Offord Hill House offers extensive space and a wealth of lifestyle amenities. On the market for only the second time since it was built in 1908, the previous incumbents undertook a full refurbishment which has been meticulously continued by the current owners.

D’ARBLAY STREET, SOHO, LONDON

One of Soho’s earliest surviving townhouses dating from 1741, this four-bedroom home stands as a rare example of the area’s original Georgian architecture. Built under a lease granted by the Duchess of Portland, it retains several noteworthy features including its original stone doorcase with moulded architrave and cornice. Historic surveys also record evidence of period panelling, dado rails and original chimney piece, with Historic England describing the property as possessing an "exceptionally complete" interior with surviving 18th century detailing.

ALDERTON HALL, SHREWSBURY, SHROPSHIRE

An exceptional country residence of immense character, combining elegantly curated interiors with first-class leisure and equestrian opportunities. Grade II* listed and of architectural note, the property has been beautifully restored to discreetly combine period grandeur with refined contemporary living.

SAXLINGHAM PLACE, SAXLINGHAM, NORFOLK

Grade II listed and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, Saxlingham Place (otherwise known as Heydon Hall) was built by Sir John Heydon of Baconsthorpe Castle in the 16th century. Having fallen into ruin, the current owners embarked on an extensive renovation to create a wonderful family home that preserves the property’s history whilst adding space and facilities ideally suited to modern living.

POUND FARM, DYMOCK, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Located in the heart of the countryside, this Grade II* listed home was described in Pevsner’s The Buildings of England: Gloucestershire as one of the finest timber-framed farmhouses in the county. Sympathetically and authentically restored by the current owners, the 16th century estate is exceptionally well presented and offers a wealth of outstanding historic features, including an exquisite Jacobean fireplace in the dining room.

THE CLOISTERS, HURLEY, BERKSHIRE

An important and historic Grade II* listed house sited by its monastic founders on the banks of the River Thames, The Cloisters was extensively refurbished and modernised in 2017. This has resulted in an eclectic mix of ancient and modern, the centrepiece being the monks’ refectory which is approaching a thousand years old and today serves as a magnificent entertaining space.

WITNESHAM HALL, WITNESHAM, SUFFOLK

Believed to date from the 16th century, this historic Grade II* listed former manor house is set amidst mature grounds of approximately 33 acres and is rich in period features including distinctive embattled parapets and Flemish gables.

Further information

Contact Justin Godfrey or Steven Spencer